Trump Threatens to Move World Cup Matches Over Safety Concerns

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump raised eyebrows on Thursday when he suggested he might relocate matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from U.S. cities he considers unsafe. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump emphasized the need for security while addressing concerns about cities like Seattle and San Francisco, which will host major matches.

During a press briefing, Trump stated, “We’re going to make sure they’re safe,” but warned, “If I think it’s not safe, we’ll move it to a different city.” Seattle’s Lumen Field is scheduled to host four group matches, including a crucial game for the U.S. team. Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, about 40 miles south of San Francisco, will also host several games.

The president’s comments came in response to a reporter’s question about what would happen if host cities did not cooperate with his administration’s policies. Trump used the opportunity to criticize local leaders, calling them “radical left lunatics.” Local officials in both cities have pushed back against Trump’s remarks. Seattle’s Mayor Bruce Harrell pointed out that crime rates in Seattle had dropped by 20% and underscored the city’s commitment to hosting a successful World Cup.

Across 11 U.S. cities, Trump’s administration is allocating $625 million in federal funds for World Cup security. The amount will be divided among the host cities based on their needs and expenditure requests. Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup task force, did not clarify how this funding could be affected by Trump’s comments.

FIFA, which oversees the World Cup and has binding agreements with host cities, has not immediately responded to inquiries regarding the feasibility of relocating matches at this stage. Legal experts have indicated that Trump lacks the authority to dictate match locations, as FIFA holds the final say.

The World Cup, set to begin on June 11, 2026, will also feature games in Mexico and Canada. As plans move forward, the tournament is projected to contribute $30 billion to the U.S. economy through tourism and local spending. The World Cup draw, which will finalize match locations, is scheduled for December 5 in Washington, D.C.